SCOTS returning to work on Tuesday after the festive break face travel chaos with blizzards and winds of up to 80mph.

The Met Office issued an amber alert and asked travellers to plan ahead as severe gales are expected to hammer central and north-east Scotland.

Snow is also forecast for the Highlands north of Stirling and Perth, with blizzard conditions expected.

While the winds should ease throughout the day, an alert was issued for higher areas of Argyll, Stirling, Perth and Kinross and Angus. An amber alert was also issued for south-west Scotland and the Lothian and Borders area.

Forecasters added that a spell of heavy rain could affect many regions, leading to localised flooding.

Heavy sleet and snow today caused the postponement of two football matches and affected drivers on the A9.

The SPL clash between Inverness CT and St Johnstone and the first division match between Ross County and Partick Thistle called off this morning.

The stretch of the A9 between Keir and Greenloaning was particularly hard hit in both directions while snow also fell on the same road at Drumochter.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said the situation was being monitored and preparations were being in place for any travel disruption on Tuesday.

He said: "For some parts of the country, it's been a wintry start to the week and as people start to return to work, I would urge everyone to take the time to check before they travel and make the necessary preparations before setting off.

"With further snow and high winds forecast, I would ask the travelling public to play their part by checking their journeys in advance, making the necessary preparations and following police travel advice.

"Our transport teams monitor the situation round the clock and will continue to keep a watch on our transport networks to minimise and potential disruption and keep Scotland moving."

Matt Dobson, forecaster for MeteoGroup, said: "Argyll and Bute, the central belt and much of southern parts of Scotland are at risk of very strong winds during the early morning. These will transfer to more eastern parts in the afternoon.

"Gusts could quite easily be recorded of up to 70mph or 80mph in these areas, with a possibility of 90mph gusts in Argyll and Bute."